SIG partners with Plastic Bank and GIZ in project to boost recycling and empower collection communities in Egypt

SIG has teamed up with social enterprise Plastic Bank and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to unveil a project aimed at changing Egypt’s recycling landscape while increasing security for waste collection workers.

According to a study by PractiQ Consulting, Egypt generates more than 95 million tons of waste annually and currently only 60% of this waste is collected, with less than 20% of that being properly disposed of or recycled. Currently, there is no formalized system for waste collection and recycling.  

The partnership between SIG, GIZ Egypt, and Plastic Bank aims to address this through a three-year initiative. The partners hope to collect 700 metric tons of beverage cartons, while also aiming to improve the livelihood for around 1,000 local waste collection workers via blockchain. 

The PlasticBank app, backed by the social enterprise’s blockchain-secured platform, provides traceability and transparency in waste collection, empowering waste collection workers to convert every piece of discarded material into a source of revenue. 

Apparently, waste collectors will be able to log each collected product via the app to earn incentives deposited directly into their digital wallets and gain access to social benefits including health, work and life insurance, digital connectivity and grocery vouchers. They will then undergo training and receive personal safety equipment for their well-being at work.